There are many herbs that can be helpful for fighting off viruses and pathogens, and in particular the herpes virus. The herbs that will be of most beneficial to you will depend upon your case history, symptoms and factors aggrevating the virus.

Below is a general guide to some known indications for common herbs and how they might be useful.

Herbal Blend for Prodromal (warning) Symptoms

Burdock

• a very effective liver cleanser and stimulator
• blood cleanser
• relieves fevers
• relieves glandular swellings

Feverfew

• relieves fevers
• relieves inflammation and pain

Gentian

• blood cleanser
• powerful liver cleanser
• relieves a fever

Gotu Kola

• helps relieve tingling sensation

Horsetail

• relieves itching
• relieves painful urination

Hyssop

• relieves inflammations

Essential Oils for Herpes Prodromal (associated) Symptoms

Lavender (oil used externally)

• beneficial for itching and inflammation

St. John's Wort

• relieves swollen lymph glands (oil used externally)

Blend for Cold Sores

Lavender (herb used internally)

Lemon Balm

Myrrh

• helps blood infections from viruses and other pathogens

Olive Leaf Extract

• helps inhibit and prevent infection by viruses and retrovirus

Essential Oils for Cold Sores

Lavender (oil used externally)

• beneficial against the cold sore and herpes virus

Lemon Balm

General Blend for Herpes & the Immune System

Golden Seal

• destroys many types of bacterial and viral infections
• strengthens the immune system
  
  Golden seal root is a rapidly effective, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, healing tonic and is often recommended for a variety of inflamed mucous membranes conditions. It is frequently used to support damaged or infected tissues including the eyes, mouth and throat.
• Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis) Eye Ointment can also be beneficial in relieving and reducing symptoms of herpes in the eye and is often available through local pharmacies or selected health care stores.

Olive Leaf Extract

• helps inhibit and prevent infection by viruses and retro viruses

Red Clover

• cleanses blood
• contains copper and iron
• detoxifies the liver
• improves the blood's hemoglobin levels and the size and number of blood platelets

Sage

• moderately strong antiseptic
• kills most viruses that it comes in contact with

Sarsaparilla

• inhibits retro-viruses, e.g. herpes

Herbal Blend for Genital Herpes

Chaparral

helps inhibit and prevent infection by viruses

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Olive Leaf Extract

• Helps inhibit and prevent infection by viruses and retro viruses

St John's Wort

Hyssop

• inhibits the growth of the herpes virus

Herbal Blend for Shingles (Herpes zoster)

Olive Leaf Extract

• helps inhibit and prevent infection by viruses and retro viruses

St. John's Wort

• relieves pain of nerve endings

Red marine algae for Herpes

Red marine algae (also known as Super Carotene or Dunaliella salina)

Current research has shown that Red marine algae (Dunaliella salina) has strong antiviral properties and is proven to be effective against the Herpes simplex virus.

For detailed information about any of the herbs listed visit the Herb Information Library.

Where to Now?

1. Treatment Options
2. Diet and Nutrition
3. Self-help Tips

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